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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Blogs Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Multimedia Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Road Cams Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Women in Business Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend April 12, 2007 Gravel pit operator denied Commissioners say violation puts application for new pit on shelf By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Jackson County commissioners told a Central Point gravel operator Wednesday it couldn't dig a new pit because of an outstanding environmental violation from the Oregon Department of State Lands. "I think we need to hold the applicant's feet to the fire," said Commissioner C.W. Smith. Rock'N Ready Mix wants to enlarge its operations on a 350-acre parcel off Blackwell Road despite objections from neighboring rock quarries worried about impacts to Bear Creek. Property owners nearby also have filed a petition with the county protesting the proposed pit. Ed Kernaghan, general manager for J.F. Shea in Redding, Calif., said that despite the setback he understands the county's objections and will attempt to resolve the violation. His company and Wes Norton are both owners of Rock N Ready. Rock N Ready was cited for 11 violations by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the state Department of Geology and Mineral Industries and the Department of State Lands for violations that included digging a pit deeper than allowed by permits, placing fill into the creek channel, filling in wetlands, providing inadequate storm water control and pumping groundwater that could have an effect on neighboring wells. Advertisement All but one violation has been cleared up. The only outstanding violation was filed by the Department of State Lands in March and resulted in a $3,600 penalty against Rock'N Ready. Of that amount, $1,800 already has already been paid, and the other $1,800 would be waived if Rock N Ready completes Bear Creek restoration work within two years. County commissioners told Rock N Ready representatives that they would consider approving the application for a new pit if a letter is received from the state indicating that a "substantial effort" had been made to fix the problems. "It makes me uncomfortable that we don't have any confirmation from DSL that this is cleared up," said Commissioner Dave Gilmour. Kernaghan said after the meeting, "We've already done the work." He said restoration work along the Bear Creek banks has been completed, and he expects to receive a letter from the state shortly showing that his company had made a substantial effort toward resolving the problems. Gilmour said, "There is no question the new owners of the property have inherited a terrible mess." Shea, one of the largest privately owned companies in the U.S. with more than $3 billion in revenues annually, became part owner of Rock N Ready three years ago. Commissioner Jack Walker said that while he thinks the company needs to adhere to stringent standards, he worried that the application process would have to start all over again. "If it takes two years, I don't want to see the public paying for another expensive process," he said. But Gilmour said, "The time line depends on the applicant." Commissioner Smith said the county is working on a program that would help planning staff do better monitoring of violations and compliance efforts. Applicants would be charged for the service. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476 or [email protected] . Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2007 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Trunks, Footlocker Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Casinos Canada Cord Blood Banking Discount Hotel Reservations Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Online Casino Windermere Van Vleet Men's Clothing Debt Help New Hampshire Primary